International Ryukyu Karate Research Society Bringing together like-minded people and building bridges across styles for 25-years

New Koryu Uchinadi iKata now available from the IRKRSNothing beats hands-on instruction from a qualified KU instructor but this new and easy iKata download from Dropbox has to be the next best thing! Finally, here’s the perfect way to study KU kata exactly the way they should be performed and in the privacy of your own home and convenience.

Paying by PaypalAs the iKata page is NOT linked to Paypal directly purchasing any of the iKata downloads requires you to go directly to Paypal [c/o https://www.paypal.com/au/webapps/mpp/home] and log in [if you’re already a registered user] or sign up and make any iKata purchase[s] by simply listing the title of the Kata or Drills, citing this e-mail address [patrick_mccarthy@mac.com] and making the corresponding payment via credit card.

Koryu Uchinadi Kume Hakutsuru Kata

Now available at $9.95 USDThis unique 40-minute presentation features the kata from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. Hakutsuru is curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in, “getting it the CORRECT way!” Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Matsumura Passai

This presentation explores one of the oldest kata of Okinawan Karate – The Passai Kata of Karate Pioneer Bushi Matsumura Sokon 1809-1899 – along with associated application concepts, practices and unique 2-person drills.

CHATAN YARA NO KUSANKUYara Kusanku, is a classical kata and historically regarded as the original signature practice of Bushi Matsumura. From this original practice comes many modern versions such Kusanku-sho and Kusanku-dai of Shorin Ryu, Shi-ho Kusanku of Shito-ryu, Kankusho and Kankudai of Shotokan and various other interpretations including Matsumura Kusanku, Chibana Kusanku and Kuniyoshi Kusanku, etc.The routine encompasses a wonderful array of techniques ranging in percussive impact with the hands, elbows, knees and feet, to stand-up clinch-style grappling, escapes and counters and groundwork. Originally identified in the 1762 document entitled, “Oshima Hikki”, [大島筆記] Kusanku [公相君] was introduced to Okinawa during its old Ryukyu Kingdom Period in the late 1750’s by a visiting Chinese official of the same name. Believed to represent the inner-workings of 17th century Fujian quanfa its timeless application practices are as functional today as they were more than two and a half centuries ago.Legend says that Yara Peichin (c.1741-1812) was a Ryukyu official from the district of Chatan. It is believed that Yara had either learned the practice directly under the visiting Chinese master or is said to have created it based upon what he was taught. The unique techniques served to strengthen the local fighting art and from it the embryonic practice continued to evolve. It was ultimately passed on to Sakugawa Kanga [i.e. Toudi Sakugawa], the principal student of Chatan Yara [Yara of Chatan], who in turn passed it on to Matsumura Sokon [Bushi Matsumura], where it became known as, Chatan Yara no Kusanku [i.e. Yara Kusanku].Representing the mainstream of Karate practice in and around the old castle capitol of Shuri, Kusanku is one of the principal practices handed down from the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the hands of Itosu Ankoh, one of Matsumura’s principal students, the foundation of modern karate was laid using Kusanku along with a handful of other related practices such as Naihanchi, Seisan and Passai, etc. In 1922, Funakoshi Gichin, a student of Itosu Ankoh, traveled from Okinawa to Tokyo to provide a demonstration of Karate-justu, at the “First National Athletic Exhibition.” Assisted by Gima Shinken, a fellow Okinawan then residing in Tokyo, Funakoshi chose to demonstrate Kusanku as the flagship practice of the original Ryukyu fighting art.THE NEW YARA KUSANKU iKATA RELEASE IS NOW AVAILABLE at only $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. Yara Kusanku is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payable via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Available now at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Happoren, Kume Sanchin and Yongchun Saamchien kata are now available for $14.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Now available at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Now available at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!” Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Now available at $14.95 USAThe 12 Motobu Kumite drills, and KU henka [variations] are presented in four different views: 2 traditional and 2 representing the Koryu Uchinadi variations. The video runs approximately 30 minutes and includes a close up and slow motion feature for the more intricate techniques.Available through Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Now available at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Now available at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Now available at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

Now available at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from four separate angles. Chokyu-gata is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com* Note: The term Chokyu represents the combination of two separate ideograms: Cho/長 & 宮/Kyu: *Cho* represents the alternative pronunciation for the first ideogram of the Japanese/Okinawan surname *Naga*mine (as in Nagamine Shoshin). *Kyu* represents the alternative pronunciation for the first ideogram of the Japanese/Okinawan surname *Miya*gi (as in Miyagi Chojun).

NOW AVAILABLE at $6.95 USDThe presentation features the kata routine itself from several angles and includes close-ups & slow-motion of otherwise hard to see techniques. The kata is also curriculum-based and required learning for any and all KU student and instructor interested in “getting it the CORRECT way!”Payment via Paypal c/o patrick_mccarthy@mac.com

The Commemorative Challenge CoinThe commemorative challenge coin was not produced exclusively as an anniversary worthy of remembering but also as something to help celebrate our individuality, creative expression and desire for inner-peace, balance and happiness in life. I combined my dedication to the IRKRS and love for KU to produce this beautifully crafted symbol. In addition to reproducing the meaningful IRKRS logo on one side, I also included our Bushi Matsumura-inspired motto, “Virtue Before Vice – Values Before Vanity – Principles Before Personalities.” On the KU side of the coin I reproduced our meaningful Bunbu [文武] Pen & Sword logo along with our training motto, “Condition The Body – Cultivate The Mind – Nurture The Spirit.” In spite of our individuality we all share common goals, which make us like-minded. Practicing KU inconspicuously links us to a wonderful heritage; through training together we forge important bonds of friendship, and by living the art we honour its legacy, which in turn, keeps its spirit alive. The commemorative challenge coin is not just another collectible but rather minted especially to represent pride, loyalty, respect, and the wonderful memories shared. What separates us is not as important as what brings us together and I sincerely hope that this small but meaningful symbol might also serve to remind us of this message.

Unsolicited Testimonials

* May I say, this is one of the best videos you have released? The wealth of information contained is an absolute treat. I am grateful for the sections on Bo and the interviews, but most especially the Matsumura Passai bunkai section, where, once again, you take the concepts and place them in an order that people like me can get a grip on. Everything from the camera-angles, labelling, to the language used makes this project accessible and useful. Thank you once again, I’m certain that this will become one of my most-watched treasured possessions. – John Burke, “The Bunkai Guy,” Devon, England

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*In comparison to books & pdf’s these are truly excellent ! Without these it would be far more difficult and time consuming to learn/improve our kata. Eternally grateful for your efforts – Koryu Uchinadi Cork Ireland [Joe Glavin]

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*I started watching your [Matsumura] Passai DVD today and almost immediately that magnetism of expression you so vividly have a hold of, took a hold of me again just like it did when I first met you on that Saturday private Aragaki Seisan training session 18-years ago in 1995, and at every seminar I attended thereafter. I actually felt like I was there with you in Deutshland …… das is wunderbar mein herr. – John Forza [Goju Yonshin Kai Karate Do, Melbourne, Australia]

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*Great reference… I learn better from being able to see the movements, body mechanics etc, how things are supposed to be done. Great resource! – Eric Forsythe [Belfast]

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*I like that I see kata I wouldn’t get a chance to learn unless there is a seminar or KU training session coming up. It s a great learning reference. Thank You – Dave Leduc [Ontario, Canada]

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*Very nice indeed, clear and precise – the ikata are just an invaluable learning tool to complement the courses run by Hanshi McCarthy and his KU Instructors around the world… excellent. – Ken Fanner [The UK]